"We are thrilled that this part of the process is complete, and that we are able to move forward to build the ballpark with a company that we know will be responsive and responsible, has demonstrated experience, and will hit the ground running," said St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman in a written statement. "This ballpark will be an attraction for families across the region, it will add vitality to our community, it will bring 400,000 people to downtown yearly, and create hundreds of jobs."

Ryan has been busy in Minnesota recently, completing the Minnesota Department of Revenue building in Saint Paul, the Target Commons space and the MoZaic office and retail building, both in Minneapolis. Projects currently in process include a major, multi-year renovation of the Bishop Henry Whipple building at Fort Snelling and 222 Hennepin, a mixed-use project which includes luxury apartments and a Whole Foods grocery store.

The city will begin negotiations with Ryan on various proposed design and project management fees to help achieve maximum value based on the current project budget of $54 million.

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